For the past few weeks, rumors have been swirling about Daniel Radcliffe joining the DC Universe (DCU) as Clayface in an upcoming film. Fans were excited about the possibility of the former Harry Potter star playing the iconic Batman villain. However, filmmaker James Gunn has now addressed these rumors and confirmed that they are completely false.
The speculation began when reports suggested that Radcliffe was being considered for the role of Clayface, a character that has fascinated DC fans for years. Clayface is a villain known for his ability to change his appearance at will due to his clay-like body. Over time, he has been portrayed in various ways, sometimes as a terrifying monster and other times as a tragic figure. This complex nature of the character made fans eager to see who would be chosen to bring him to life on the big screen.
James Gunn Responds to Casting Speculations
James Gunn, who serves as one of the key decision-makers in the new DCU, decided to put an end to the ongoing rumors. He took to Threads, a social media platform, to clarify the situation. According to Gunn, no official casting decisions have been made for Clayface because the film’s director has not even been finalized yet.
“As we confirmed the other day, we’re closing a deal with James to direct,” Gunn wrote. “Because we don’t have a director yet, we haven’t even started the casting process. Daniel is great, but we certainly haven’t talked to or considered him. So this one is 100% false,” he added.
With this statement, Gunn made it clear that while he respects Radcliffe as an actor, the reports about him playing Clayface were baseless. This was disappointing news for some fans who were excited about the idea of Radcliffe joining the DCU, but it also means that the role is still open, and the casting process has yet to begin.
Daniel Radcliffe’s Response to DCU Rumors
Daniel Radcliffe has not personally commented on these rumors, but this is not the first time his name has been linked to comic book movies. Over the years, fans have suggested him for several superhero roles, including Wolverine in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Despite his background in fantasy films like Harry Potter, Radcliffe has largely stayed away from big franchise films since the wizarding series ended. Instead, he has focused on unique and challenging roles in independent films.
However, Radcliffe’s talent and versatility as an actor continue to fuel fan theories about him taking on iconic comic book roles. His ability to transform into different characters, combined with his dedication to his craft, makes him an exciting choice for many roles. Whether he will ever join the DCU or MCU remains a question for the future.
The Upcoming DCU Film Featuring Clayface
While the rumors about Radcliffe have been dismissed, excitement for the upcoming Clayface movie remains high. The film is being written by Mike Flanagan, a filmmaker best known for his work in horror films. Flanagan had previously expressed his interest in making a standalone Clayface movie, describing it as a mix of horror, thriller, and tragedy.
Clayface is a character that fits well into a horror-themed movie. His origin story is often portrayed as a tragic one, with different versions of the character showing him as a once-successful actor who turned into a monstrous villain after an accident or experiment gone wrong. This emotional depth makes Clayface one of the most interesting villains in Batman’s rogues’ gallery.
Mike Flanagan’s vision for the film is expected to bring a darker and more dramatic take on the character. Fans of his previous horror films, such as Doctor Sleep and The Haunting of Hill House, are excited to see how he will bring Clayface to life on screen. The film is scheduled for release on September 11, 2026.
What to Expect from the Clayface Film
Although no casting decisions have been made yet, there are a few things that fans can expect from this movie. Given Flanagan’s background, the film is likely to have a strong horror element. Clayface’s ability to shapeshift and his monstrous appearance could be used to create terrifying scenes.
Additionally, the film may focus on the more tragic aspects of Clayface’s story. Unlike some villains who are purely evil, Clayface is often shown as a character who did not choose his fate but was instead forced into villainy due to his circumstances. This kind of storytelling could add an emotional depth to the movie, making it more than just another superhero action film.
Fans are also curious about whether Batman will play a role in this film. Since Clayface is one of Batman’s well-known enemies, it is possible that the Dark Knight could make an appearance. However, with the new direction of the DCU, it remains to be seen how this movie will fit into the larger universe.
The Future of DCU and Its Expanding Universe
The DCU is currently undergoing a major transformation under the leadership of James Gunn and Peter Safran. They have been working on creating a fresh and interconnected universe for DC characters, similar to how the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) operates.
Several upcoming DC projects have already been announced, including Superman: Legacy, which is expected to be one of the key films in the new DCU. With this new direction, DC is aiming to tell compelling stories while ensuring that its films are connected in a meaningful way.
Clayface’s introduction into the DCU is another exciting step in this plan. If the film is successful, it could open doors for other lesser-known villains to get their own stories. DC has a vast library of characters, many of whom have deep and emotional backstories that could be explored in future films.
